The Karnataka government has re-imposed a ban on the sale and distribution of soft drinks within schools, colleges and hostels with immediate effect.

The move came six days after the high court upheld the state government's ban of August 14 on the sale of soft drinks in respect of educational institutions, but struck it down in public places. The court's order came in response to a challenge mounted by soft drink companies.

"The state of Karnataka, after consideration of material and in the interest of health and well-being of children and students, has felt an imminent need to prevent the sale of carbonated beverages within school and college and hostel premises," said a notification issued on December 18.

The government defended its decision by saying it had been found that the consumption of carbonated beverages led to childhood obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and tooth cavities, and that the sale of such drinks has been prohibited in schools in several states in the US, Britain and other nations.

The state decided to reimpose the ban by exercising powers under Article 162 of the Constitution read with Entry 6 of list-II of Schedule VII of the Constitution and inherent and general powers vested in it, the notification said.

Karnataka had earlier slapped the ban on sale and distribution of soft drinks in schools, colleges, hostels, hospitals and public places on August 14.

The state government also filed a case in a small causes court after banning the sale of soft drinks but withdrew it recently, fearing the court might strike it down, and reimposed the ban by invoking powers under Article 162 of the Constitution, official sources said.